Escalation in US-Israeli military campaign against Iran persists

The military conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, which began nearly two weeks ago, continues with intense airstrikes and retaliatory attacks. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned that global oil prices could reach $200 per barrel due to regional instability. On Wednesday, three additional merchant vessels were struck in the Persian Gulf, bringing the total number of affected ships to 14 since the conflict began. While the Pentagon reports intensive strikes, Iran maintains the capability to respond by firing on targets across the Middle East. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in a swift end to the war, though Israeli officials maintain there is no set time limit until objectives are met. Iran has threatened to target banks associated with the US or Israel and urged civilians to stay away from such institutions. Estimates of casualties vary, with reports citing approximately 2,000 deaths, while the Iranian UN ambassador specifically reported at least 1,332 civilian deaths. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blockaded, disrupting global energy supplies at a scale unseen since the 1970s.